Meet the Indiana AEYC Staff

Dianna Wallace has served as Executive Director of the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children (AEYC), Inc. for the last 10 years. As the state affiliate of the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC), Indiana AEYC is a statewide, nonprofit 501(c)3 organization with 16 chapters and 2,200 members. Indiana AEYC has a 51-year history of promoting and supporting quality care and education for all young children, birth through age eight, in Indiana. The mission of Indiana AEYC is accomplished by offering professional development for people in the early care and education profession, improving program quality, and championing public policy pertinent to young children.

Dianna earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and a master’s degree in Early Childhood Education. She has completed extensive training and education in administration, business and adult education. Her experience includes working as a kindergarten teacher, Head Start Director, public school administrator, State administrator, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Coordinator and education consultant and evaluator.

Stefanie Brooks joined the Indiana AEYC staff in 2013. Stefanie received her Bachelor’s Degree in Political Science/International Affairs from Butler University. Prior to her current position, she worked as a Legislative Assistant for Wellpoint Inc., a Manager of Strategic Initiatives with the State of Indiana and within college Admissions.

Program and Professional Development

Liane Grayson, Program and Professional Development Senior Directorlgrayson@iaeyc.org 317.275.3518

Liane Grayson joined Indiana AEYC as the Senior Director of Program and Professional Development in 2016. Her prior work as a speech and language pathologist focused on improving the quality of language and literacy environments in early care centers and homes through training and technical assistance. A particular interest is the nature of early communication interactions between caregivers and children and their role in supporting positive social and emotional development.

Liane has taught courses at both the undergraduate and graduate level in child development, language and literacy development and disorders, and speech development and disorders. She previously managed the external evaluation of several early care and education programs that were part of Cuyahoga County’s (OH) Invest in Children Initiative. She also supported the collection of child outcome data for the Sioux Falls (SD) Child Care Early Education Initiative, Starting Strong.

Liane has a PhD from Northwestern University (IL) and is a certified Speech and Language Pathologist. She is happy to be a member of Indiana AEYC where she can continue to seek ways to provide high quality program and professional development opportunities to those individuals who work with our country’s most precious commodity, young children.

Hanan Osman is the T.E.A.C.H. Senior Director at the Indiana Association for the Education of Young Children. Having held her current position for five years, she oversees the T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA project and staff, working closely with the Indiana AEYC Executive Director and Indiana Early Childhood Higher Education Forum. Hanan’s 20+ years working with children and families has given her a wealth of diverse professional experiences and taken her across the globe. From YEAR to YEAR, she taught at the School of Psychology and Preschool Education at Ahfad University for Women in Omdurman, Sudan. Prior to that, she worked with Head Start as a teacher and a center director in Kentucky. Hanan also served at the Governor’s Office of Child Development as a Head Start Collaboration Office Coordinator in Frankfort, Kentucky. With the Kentucky Department of Education, Hanan was the Community Early Childhood Councils Coordinator and then served as Kentucky State-Funded Preschool Branch Manager. Hanan holds a BA in Psychology and Preschool Education, an MA in Educational Psychology, an MA in Family Studies/Interdisciplinary Early Childhood Education and Doctorate of Philosophy in Early Childhood Education.

Lecia (Lisha) Overley joined the Indiana AEYC T.E.A.C.H. team in 2012 to aid ECE professionals seeking higher education to advance their early childhood teaching skills. She provides counseling for CDA training and associate degree scholarships. Lecia earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education but has spent her entire career in Early Childhood Education beginning in 1988, as a teacher, then NAEYC-accredited center director and a teacher trainer. Lecia is passionate about quality education for children and high caliber support for teachers.

Rachael Arthur, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisorrarthur@iaeyc.org 317.275.3514

Rachael Arthur joined Indiana AEYC as a T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisor in 2016. Rachael has been in the field of Early Care and Education for over 10 years as a Teacher and a Director. She holds a bachelor degree from Indiana State University in Child Development and Family Life.

Sharon Dunlevy, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisorsdunlevy@iaeyc.org 317.275.3512

Sharon Dunlevy serves as a T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisor. Sharon has a Doctor of Ministry in Family Ministries, Master of Arts in Theological Studies, Master of Divinity, and Bachelor of Arts Degree from Syracuse University.

Sharon has worked in different areas of Religious Education, Curriculum Development and Implementation, Music, and Education Departments. Most recently Sharon held the position of Director of Childtime where she lead day to day operations of the program.

Sharon is very passionate helping others achieve their goal in Early childhood Education. In her spare time Sharon volunteers with 4-H and is heavily involved with Church Leadership. We are very excited to have Sharon join the team here at Indiana AEYC!

Lakesha Fillmore, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisorlfillmore@iaeyc.org 317.275.3513

Ms. Lakesha Fillmore, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood INDIANA Professional Development Advisor, comes to Indiana AEYC with a Bachelor’s Degree in Child Development and Family Life from Indiana State University. Lakesha comes with wealth of knowledge and experience in early childhood education and family services. She’s held various positions in her career; social worker, developmental therapist, counselor and case manager. Lakesha has also worked for Head Start and the Department of Child Services.

Ms. Fillmore hails from Indianapolis and in her spare time she enjoys spending time with her children and singing in her church choir.

Kristin Lackey, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisorklackey@iaeyc.org 317.275.3517

Kristin Lackey, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisor, is a graduate from Ball State University with a BS degree in Family and Child Development. She started with Indiana AEYC in November 2012. Kristin has worked in the Early Childhood Education field for eight years. She began her career working as a preschool teacher and has also been a director of a for-profit organization. Kristin has a passion for making a difference for families and children through Indiana AEYC and the T.E.A.C.H. scholarship program.

Angie Pickel, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisorapickel@iaeyc.org 317.275.3515

Angie Pickel serves as a regional T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisor at Indiana AEYC, serving counties in the state’s eastern regions. Angie holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education with a Kindergarten endorsement from the University of Southern Indiana. Previously she taught kindergarten for three years and then served as a preschool director for seven years, during which time she helped the center reach Level 4 in Paths to QUALITY™ and become nationally accredited. Angie’s enthusiasm and energy are evident in her daily work with educators seeking career enrichment.

Lindsay Philpott, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood® INDIANA Professional Development Advisorlphilpott@iaeyc.org 317.275.3528

Lindsay Philpott comes to Indiana AEYC with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management from IUPUI in Indianapolis and an Associate’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Ivy Tech. Ms. Philpott has held various positions in her professional career. Lindsay has over 10 years of teaching experience, and over 11 years of Administrator experience in key areas such as Assistant Director and Director. She worked for several years at Head Start and has worked with other licensed child care centers. When not working Ms. Philpott is involved in volunteering in Community activities, Brownies, Monrovia Youth Cheer Director, Phi Theta Kappa, and supports her local church Sunday school/ Nursery.

Michael Wiegmann, T.E.A.C.H. Early Childhood INDIANA Project Assistant, is a graduate IUPUI with a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education. Prior to his current position, Mr. Wiegmann worked over 10 years in the Hospitality Industry, where he held several positions, Front Desk Supervisor, Human Resources Coordinator, and Accounting Manager. His experiences in the fields of Education and Accounting make him a valuable member of T.E.A.C.H. INDIANA team. Michael’s excitement and passion is infectious and inspiring to everyone around him. When not working, Michael is involved in charitable activities and loves spending time with his son.

Judy Tonk is in her twelfth year as Senior Director of the Indiana Non-Formal CDA Project with Indiana AEYC. As Senior Director she oversees the development of the CDA classes offered state-wide through the project. Additionally, Judy is responsible for the management of Indiana AEYC sub-recipient contracts related to the project assuring compliance with Indiana AEYC and Funders.

Prior to coming to Indiana AEYC, Judy worked for the State for 33 years beginning with the Division of Family Resources (previously the Department of Public Welfare) in Lake County, where she performed various responsibilities relating to TANF Assistance, Child Welfare and Medicaid Disability. She moved to Indianapolis in 1985, taking a position with the Indiana Department on Aging and Community Service where she was instrumental in implementing the state’s first Child Development Associate (CDA) credential scholarship program for child care facilities receiving funds through the Social Services Block Grant.

Sharon Post serves as the Project Coordinator for the Indiana Non-Formal CDA Project. Sharon holds a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education from Indiana University and a Bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood Education from Indiana State University. Sharon has over twenty five years of experience in the field Early Childhood Education as an Educator, Administrator/ Owner, Adjunct Instructor, and leader. Most recently Sharon served as a Student Teacher Supervisor at Butler University and as an Elementary teacher with Cleveland Heights/University Heights City School District, where she worked for over twenty years. She also comes to us with extensive experience on developing and implementing trainings, lecturing, several years of instructing with courses ranging from “Parent involvement”, “Nature vs Nature”, and “Tools of Assessment’, and various workshops on early childhood topics

Sharon hails from Cleveland, OH by way of South Bend, IN. In her spare time she likes gardening and spending time with her family and five grandchildren.

Ed Hoy joined IAEYC in May, 2010 as Senior Director for Business & MIS. Ed has a strong background in integrating information systems into business operations. He has leveraged technology investments to streamline Indiana AEYC’s business processes and increase the accessibility of its products and services. With 15+ years’ experience in nonprofit management, Ed specializes in human resources administration, fiscal management, benefits design and administration, fundraising and network administration. Prior to joining Indiana AEYC, Ed was Vice-President of Business & MIS for the Indiana Youth Institute where he was responsible for all aspects of business operations. He also served as a technical advisor to the National Youth Development Information Center’s web-based information clearinghouse. A lifelong resident of Indiana, Ed graduated from IUPUI.

Clarence Huckleberry comes to Indiana AEYC with a Master’s Degree in Business Administration and Organizational Development. Clarence also holds Bachelor Degrees in Human Resources, Advertisement, and Business Administration from Indiana Institute of Technology.

Clarence has 20 years of experience in Leadership capacity. Most recent position was Operation Manager of a Medlab location. Clarence has extensive experience developing and implementing trainings, Leadership training, workshops, and behavior management techniques. Clarence is very active in church and community service and events

Bridget Sutton, Manager of Business Systems and Quality Assurancebsutton@iaeyc.org 317.275.3504

Bridget Sutton began working with Indiana AEYC in 2012. Bridget earned a degree in Recreational Sport Management from Indiana University. Prior to her current post, she worked at Indiana University and for area Parks and Recreation departments.

Suzy Leonard joined the Indiana AEYC Staff in 2014. Suzy received her Bachelor’s Degree in Middle Childhood Education from Malone University and her Associate’s Degree in Visual Communication from Ivy Tech. Prior to her current position she worked in varied educational settings including outdoor education, special education and teaching abroad. Suzy also coaches competitive gymnastics.

Kim Loeffler received her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from Indiana University. She received her CPA in 1999, and became a Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA) in 2012. Kim has been in the accounting profession for over 30 years, 7 of those years working for a public accounting firm, and 18 years working for not-for-profit organizations. Kim has experience as a computer programmer and in IT support. She has also served in the Human Resources capacity. Kim is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA) and the Indiana CPA Society.

Lynne Goodin previously served as the CEO of a nonprofit arts organization. Prior to that position, she was the general counsel for the Indiana Department of Revenue, her first position after completing law school. Before law school she was the first manager of business development in the Indianapolis office of a Big Four accounting firm. Previously, she worked 23 years in banking where she spent 10 years as a corporate banker. In addition to her law degree from Indiana University School of Law—Indianapolis, she has an MBA from Duquesne University in Pittsburgh and an undergraduate degree in finance from the University of Alabama. She is an Indiana CPA.

Kim Strich has held various positions during a career that spans 28 years in the accounting field: Bookkeeper, Payroll administrator, Audit Assistant, IT software liaison, Assistant Controller and Accounting Assistant. Kim holds a BS in Computer Science with a minor in Business Administration.

Mike Bachman is the Indiana Accreditation Project Senior Director and serves as the Association’s Paths to QUALITY™ Specialist. Mike also works with our annual Early Childhood Conference by bringing the brightest and most current professionals in the field to provide workshops, Highlight presentations, and Keynotes. He has worked in the field of early childhood education for 10 years and holds a Master’s in Drama and Theater Studies from the University College Cork in Cork, Ireland, bringing a global perspective to the field of early childhood education with him. He also completed a Master’s in Early Childhood Education with a certificate in Early Childhood Administration. Mike has worked as a preschool teacher and center director for East Tenth United Methodist Children and Youth Center in Indianapolis, and as a Project Manager in United Way of Central Indiana’s Education Department.

Cheryl Steflik serves as the Assistant Director of the Indiana Accreditation Project. She has a Master’s degree from Roberts Wesleyan College in Curriculum and Instruction and dual Bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education and Psychology from the State University of New York at Potsdam. Before joining Indiana AEYC, she was an Education/Disabilities Specialist with Muncie Head Start where she helped obtain Paths to QUALITY level 3 for the center. Cheryl is a former kindergarten Teacher, a first grade Teacher, and Head Start Teacher. She is a former Director of a non-profit child care center where she helped obtain NAEYC accreditation. Cheryl is a CLASS reliable observer and enjoys training on Art and Dramatic Play learning centers.

Jennifer Murray serves Indiana AEYC as the Senior Project Coordinator-Paths to QUALITY™. Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from Indiana State University and a Masters of Education in Higher Education and Administration. Prior to joining the Indiana AEYC, Jennifer worked in both higher education and early childhood education. Jennifer served as the Assistant Director of Financial Aid at Martin University. In this position, she assisted with compliance, quality review, training, and the accreditation project. Prior to working in higher education, Jennifer served as a book-keeper at an early childhood center in which she assisted with the Accreditation process of this center. She also became a toddler-ones teacher for a local center in which she assisted with curriculum development.

Cindy Bays serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Cindy earned a Master of Education degree from Indiana State University. Prior to joining Indiana AEYC, she was a Head Start Teacher, Head Start Site Manager, Ivy Tech Adjunct, Non-Formal CDA Instructor, and a Mentor for Paths to QUALITY™. For more than 10 years, Cindy has utilized unique approaches and down-to-earth resources to train teachers on a variety of topics. Cindy is active in her local Indiana AEYC chapter and is also a member of NAFCC and the National Head Start Association.

Jackie graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Vocational Home Economics Education and earned a Master of Science in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University. She has worked as an owner/director of a licensed childcare home for thirteen years, served as the Education Coordinator for the South Central Community Action (SCCAP) Head Start Program, and taught middle school Family & Consumer Science education. Jackie currently serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach.

Tory Brinson serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach . Prior to joining IN AEYC, Tory was the Director of a NECPA accredited, PTQ Level 4 facility in Fishers for 10 years. She also has multiple years of experience as a preschool teacher with various community-based and school-based programs. Tory comes to us with a B.S. in Kindergarten – Primary Education, Early Childhood Education with a Technology Endorsement from Ball State University. She has truly loved the opportunity to coach her internal staff and looks forward to growing the reach of that work to so many other professionals in the field.

Brooke Carlson serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Brooke comes to us from Head Start where she worked for the past ten and a half years holding positions from Lead teacher to Health Services Manager. During her tenure with Head Start Brooke worked in different capacities overseeing Health, Nutrition, Disabilities, and Family Services. This included, training staff and parents, administration, quality improvements, Paths to Quality, and many hours of data entry using ChildPlus. In 2013 Brooke became a regional trainer with the Brazelton Touchpoints Center with Purdue University School of Nursing. She holds a Bachelor Degree in Early Childhood Education from Ball State University. Brooke is married and has two young children and is very active in her church and community services.

Jennifer Cioni, MS serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Jennifer earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master of Science degree in Developmental Psychology from Purdue University. She has worked as an Education Coordinator, Director, Assistant Director, and Teacher for early care and education programs that were accredited by NAEYC or NECPA. Jennifer served as treasurer for the Tippecanoe County chapter of AEYC for 6 years. Jennifer is currently a member of the ECE Advisory Committee for Ivy Tech and of Baby TALK in Lafayette, IN.

Dawn Cole-Easterday serves as an Indiana AEYC coach. Dawn earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Earlham College, has completed graduate work in Education from Indiana University, and is finishing a Masters in Nonprofit Administration from North Park University. She has been a part of the NAEYC accreditation process as a teacher, director, and trainer and has provided training and coaching for diverse programs throughout the United States as a field consultant for the HighScope Educational Foundation. She sees her role as an Indiana Accreditation Project coach to be a support and resource to teachers and administrators as they continually work together to improve their programs to provide the best for young children.

Susan Enamorado serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Susan is completing a master’s degree in Elementary Education with a concentration in Early Childhood Education from Indiana University South Bend. Susan has been a director for a NAEYC accredited and level 4 Paths to QUALITY™ center. She also made home visits to families of primarily Spanish-speaking preschoolers with the Parents as Teachers program. Susan is a Montessori-trained preschool and toddler teacher with six years of classroom experience. She planned and conducted a variety of educational programs for parents and children as a former librarian and while working in early childhood education.

Randy Garratt, Ph.D. serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Randy earned a M.Ed. and Ph.D. at Indiana State University in Elementary Education/Child Psychology with a concentration in Early Childhood Education. He has previous experience as an education coordinator and director in early care and education programs that were accredited by NAEYC. More recently Randy was employed as the Education Coordinator for 4C of Southern Indiana, and a Faculty Fellow at Ivy Tech Community College-Evansville. He has been a CDA rep since 1989 and has also completed NAFCC observer training.

Betsy Hostetler serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Betsy received a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education K-6 from Indiana University Bloomington and has extensive professional development experiences in early care and education. Her recent early care and education experiences include teacher of preschool age children and program director for an NAEYC-accredited center in Indiana. As program director Betsy’s responsibilities included staff professional development, curriculum, and assessment. Betsy has presented at a state and local level on a variety of topics including: The Power of Play, Emergent Literacy-Poetry, Accreditation Basics, and Diversity in Early Care and Education.

Ashley Ketron serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Ashley has a Bachelor of Science in Early Childhood Education. Prior to joining Indiana AEYC, she held the position of Pre-Kindergarten Assistant Director with the Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation. Ashley also has experience as a Lead Teacher and a Mentor for Path to QUALITY. For more than 10 years, Ashley has worked in Early Childhood Education. Ashley is very active with her family, in the arena of horse racing.

Kara Ketter serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Kara earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology and a Master of Arts degree in Elementary Education with a focus on Early Childhood, both from Ball State University. She taught in and co-directed part-day and full-time programs and licensed centers, including a NAEYC-accredited program and a Paths to QUALITY™-enrolled program. Kara has worked through the accreditation process as a teacher, supervisor, and director. She has facilitated workshops on a variety of topics, including the FOUNDATIONS, developmentally appropriate practice, and emotional development. Kara has a passion for serving children, families, and early childhood professionals.

Eugena Madison serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Prior to joining IAEYC, Eugena served as a Director, Consultant, and Teacher for over 10 years in licensed childcare centers. Eugena maintained NAEYC- accreditation and several Level 4 Path’s to Quality programs. Eugena holds a Masters in Urban Elementary Education from IUPU of Indianapolis, Bachelors of Art in Education Studies, and Minor in Early Childhood Education. She is an active member of NBCI, Indiana AEYC, NAEYC, IUPUI Equity Institute and GTCD Youth Ministry for 10 years. She takes pride in serving as a voice for quality early childhood and equity education.

Kathy Maguire has worked with NAEYC accreditation as a teacher, director, and validator. Kathy earned an Associate Degree in Early Childhood Education and a Bachelor’s Degree in Developmental Psychology from Purdue University Calumet, later finishing a master’s degree in Education specializing in Early Childhood Leadership and Advocacy from National Louis University in Chicago. Kathy has previous experience as a Program Associate providing Quality Improvement Coaching for homes and centers, conducting observations for quality ratings, and assisting programs in achieving or retaining NAEYC and NAFCC accreditation. She has experience as a preschool teacher, center director, coordinator of after-school programs. Kathy is particularly interested in building early learning systems to sustain quality, leadership and advocacy, and creating better working conditions and standards for early childhood professionals. Kathy currently serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach.

Rachelle Myers serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. She holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Family and Child Development from The University of Central Oklahoma and a Master of Public Management from Indiana University Kokomo. Prior to joining Indiana AEYC, Rachelle was an Early Head Start Director covering two counties in Indiana; both sites were NAEYC Accredited and Paths to QUALITY™ Level 4. She also served as a Child Development Manager, Disabilities Manager and Center Director while at the program. Rachelle has also worked as a Head Start Teacher, Family Advocate and teacher in a NAEYC Accredited facility. She also has experience with grant writing and staff development, including an array of training topics that she enjoys sharing.

Jill Russell serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Jill earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from Defiance College, an early childhood endorsement from Goshen College and a master’s degree in Child Care Administration from Bank Street College. Jill was formerly a director in church-based preschool, child care settings, and in a hospital-based child care, all with NAEYC accreditation. She has been an adjunct instructor for Ivy Tech and Indiana-Purdue Fort Wayne. Jill served as the Community Advocate for the Child Care and Early Education Partnership in Allen County and most recently managed a Healthy Families program serving five northeast Indiana counties.

Leslie Storm serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Leslie earned her Bachelor of Science Degree in Education with an Emphasis in Early Childhood Education and a minor in Business Administration from the University of Evansville. She has previous experience as a teacher and director of a licensed child care program, a Paths to QUALITY mentor with CCR&R, and most recently as a Center Director and Quality Team Lead for a multi-site, NAEYC Accredited program. While in this position, Leslie went through the NAEYC Accreditation process with her own center and mentored other center directors throughout the Accreditation process.

Kim Swaffield serves as an Indiana AEYC Coach. Mrs. Swaffield comes to Indiana AEYC with a Master’s Education Degree in School Counseling from Texas Southern University. Mrs. Swaffield also holds a Bachelor Degree in Business and Japanese Studies from University of Sheffield, U.K of Great Britain. Mrs. Swaffield holds several certificates in PPR, EC-4, and ESL just to name a few. Kim has over 15 years of experience in the Early Education Field both as an educator and leader. Most recently, she held the position of curriculum coach and a Preschool Director She also comes to us with extensive experience on developing and implementing trainings, workshops, Reggio Emilia approach, various early childhood topics, and behavior management techniques. Kim is very active in her church and community services and her passion is motivating others to cultivate a warm and nurturing education experience.

“The T.E.A.C.H. Scholarship was a wonderful experience, and the scholarship removed the financial stress that comes with the expense of attending college. As a recipient of the T.E.A.C.H Scholarship it allowed me to focus more on the classes and earned me a place in the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society! Thank you T.E.A.C.H!”